Schnitzel

Grab a pint and get ready to enjoy schnitzel, an Austrian favorite, at Figlmüller Wollzeile in Vienna, Austria. Deep-fried and delicious. 9601280

Grab a pint and get ready to enjoy schnitzel, an Austrian favorite, at Figlmüller Wollzeile in Vienna, Austria. Deep-fried and delicious.

Sachertorte

Sachertorte

At Hotel Sacher in Vienna, make sure to order up a Sachertorte: two layers of soft and light chocolate cake separated by apricot jam and coated with a delicious chocolate icing. You’ve never had a chocolate cake quite like this before. 9601280

At Hotel Sacher in Vienna, make sure to order up a Sachertorte: two layers of soft and light chocolate cake separated by apricot jam and coated with a delicious chocolate icing. You’ve never had a chocolate cake quite like this before.

Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas

Pass the sopaipillas, please! Eben Ezer in La Vega Chica market in Santiago, Chile serves up sopiapillas with pebre, giving the fried dish a little bit of a kick. 9601280

Pass the sopaipillas, please! Eben Ezer in La Vega Chica market in Santiago, Chile serves up sopiapillas with pebre, giving the fried dish a little bit of a kick.

Machas a la Parmesana

Machas a la Parmesana

Santiago’s Donde Augusto dishes out an unforgettable plate with machas a la parmesana. Clams and cheese—what’s not to love? 9601280

Santiago’s Donde Augusto dishes out an unforgettable plate with machas a la parmesana. Clams and cheese—what’s not to love?

Coney Dog

Coney Dog

The infamous Coney dog at Detroit, Michigan’s American Coney Island is an all-American classic you wouldn't want to miss. Topped with chili, onions and mustard—say no more. We’ll take two! 9601280

The infamous Coney dog at Detroit, Michigan’s American Coney Island is an all-American classic you wouldn't want to miss. Topped with chili, onions and mustard—say no more. We’ll take two!

Detroit-style Pizza

Detroit-style Pizza

In the mood for a slice? Stop by Detroit’s Buddy’s Pizza for their Detroit-style pizza—a square deep-dish pizza with the toppings on the bottom and sauce covering the top—and you’ll leave having devoured your daily intake of deliciousness. 9601280

In the mood for a slice? Stop by Detroit’s Buddy’s Pizza for their Detroit-style pizza—a square deep-dish pizza with the toppings on the bottom and sauce covering the top—and you’ll leave having devoured your daily intake of deliciousness.

Scottish Breakfast

Scottish Breakfast

There’s no better way to start the day in Edinburgh, Scotland than with a Scottish breakfast! Pile a plate high with sausage, bacon, eggs and more and you’ll be ready to face the day.9601280

There’s no better way to start the day in Edinburgh, Scotland than with a Scottish breakfast! Pile a plate high with sausage, bacon, eggs and more and you’ll be ready to face the day.

Shortbread

Shortbread

Freshly baked and absolutely scrumptious, shortbread from Edinburgh’s Pinnies and Poppyseeds with a cup of hot coffee is the perfect afternoon snack. 9601280

Freshly baked and absolutely scrumptious, shortbread from Edinburgh’s Pinnies and Poppyseeds with a cup of hot coffee is the perfect afternoon snack.

Whisky

Whisky

But no trip to Scotland would be complete without sampling a 12-year-old single-malt whisky like this one, produced by Deanston Distillery of Doune. After one sip, it might be hard to leave—and not just because you’re hungover. 9601280

But no trip to Scotland would be complete without sampling a 12-year-old single-malt whisky like this one, produced by Deanston Distillery of Doune. After one sip, it might be hard to leave—and not just because you’re hungover.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki

Considered one of Seoul’s most famous street foods, tteokbokki combines chewy rice cakes and spicy red chili pepper broth for one incredible snack. Next time you’re walking the streets of Seoul, you'll want to give this dish a try. 9601280

Considered one of Seoul’s most famous street foods, tteokbokki combines chewy rice cakes and spicy red chili pepper broth for one incredible snack. Next time you’re walking the streets of Seoul, you'll want to give this dish a try.

Patbingsu

Patbingsu

Dessert is calling, so naturally, it’s time for patbingsu: Korean shaved ice with condensed milk, and red bean jam and rice cakes added for even more flavor. And don’t forget the roasted soybean powder on top! Order this treat at Mok Myeok San Bang as a great way to end your culinary journey through Seoul…until next time. 9601280

Dessert is calling, so naturally, it’s time for patbingsu: Korean shaved ice with condensed milk, and red bean jam and rice cakes added for even more flavor. And don’t forget the roasted soybean powder on top! Order this treat at Mok Myeok San Bang as a great way to end your culinary journey through Seoul…until next time.

Sonoran Hot Dog

Sonoran Hot Dog

Eager for some local flavor in Tucson, Arizona? The Sonoran Hot Dog at El Güero Canelo is the way to go. (No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. That is bacon.) 9601280

Eager for some local flavor in Tucson, Arizona? The Sonoran Hot Dog at El Güero Canelo is the way to go. (No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. That is bacon.)

Tamales

Tamales

When in doubt, go with tamales—perfect pockets of savory goodness, right at your fingertips. And at the Tucson Tamale Company, they know tamales. 9601280

When in doubt, go with tamales—perfect pockets of savory goodness, right at your fingertips. And at the Tucson Tamale Company, they know tamales.

Polish Boy Sandwich

Freshly chopped coleslaw, French fries, original recipe barbeque sauce and an all-beef hot dog sandwiched together in a bun. Yes, this flavor-explosion has a name: It’s the Polish Boy sandwich from Seti’s Polish Boy food truck in Cleveland. Road trip, anyone?9601280

Freshly chopped coleslaw, French fries, original recipe barbeque sauce and an all-beef hot dog sandwiched together in a bun. Yes, this flavor-explosion has a name: It’s the Polish Boy sandwich from Seti’s Polish Boy food truck in Cleveland. Road trip, anyone?

Buckeyes

Buckeyes

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Malley’s Chocolates in Cleveland! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter make for one tasty, creamy candy. (And they're perfect for the holidays!)9601280

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Malley’s Chocolates in Cleveland! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter make for one tasty, creamy candy. (And they're perfect for the holidays!)

Vuelve a la Vida

Vuelve a la Vida

Seafood lovers, this one is for you: Vuelve a la Vida. Served up in Veracruz, Mexico, the cocktail is made with crab, shrimp, oysters AND octopus—proving you can never really have too much seafood in one dish—with spicy tomato sauce and avocado. 9601280

Seafood lovers, this one is for you: Vuelve a la Vida. Served up in Veracruz, Mexico, the cocktail is made with crab, shrimp, oysters AND octopus—proving you can never really have too much seafood in one dish—with spicy tomato sauce and avocado.

Carne Asada Fries

Where in the world can you get these carne asada fries? San Diego, of course! At Lolita’s Taco Shop, ditch the ketchup and pile your fries high with seasoned carne asada, cheese, sour cream, salsa and guacamole. (Just make sure to ask for extra napkins.)9601280

Where in the world can you get these carne asada fries? San Diego, of course! At Lolita’s Taco Shop, ditch the ketchup and pile your fries high with seasoned carne asada, cheese, sour cream, salsa and guacamole. (Just make sure to ask for extra napkins.)

Banh Mi

Say goodbye to your usual sandwich order because the banh mi might be your new go-to. In Ho Chi Minh City, this French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich combines pate, mayonnaise, cold cut, pickled cucumber, carrot and daikon all on a soft, warm baguette. Pick this one up at Banh Mi Nguyen Sinh in District 1. 9601280

Say goodbye to your usual sandwich order because the banh mi might be your new go-to. In Ho Chi Minh City, this French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich combines pate, mayonnaise, cold cut, pickled cucumber, carrot and daikon all on a soft, warm baguette. Pick this one up at Banh Mi Nguyen Sinh in District 1.

Oreille de Cochon

Oreille de Cochon

Soak in the energy of the South and chow down on beignets at Café de Amis in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Stuffed with boudin and topped with cane syrup, Oreille de Cochon is one mouthwatering dish you won’t soon forget. 9601280

Soak in the energy of the South and chow down on beignets at Café de Amis in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Stuffed with boudin and topped with cane syrup, Oreille de Cochon is one mouthwatering dish you won’t soon forget.

Photos

Chocolate Babka (Isaac's Bakery, Brooklyn)

The babka at Isaac’s is as beautiful as it is delicious: geologic swirls of sweetened dark chocolate and chocolate chips eddy around layers of doubled and twisted brioche dough under a dusting of streusel. Babka is thought to have gained its name thanks to its pan’s resemblance to a grandmother’s skirts, but its rich sweetness has an awful lot in common with a nana’s hug. 9601280

The babka at Isaac’s is as beautiful as it is delicious: geologic swirls of sweetened dark chocolate and chocolate chips eddy around layers of doubled and twisted brioche dough under a dusting of streusel. Babka is thought to have gained its name thanks to its pan’s resemblance to a grandmother’s skirts, but its rich sweetness has an awful lot in common with a nana’s hug.

Margherita Pizza (Di Fara Pizza, Brooklyn)

Margherita Pizza (Di Fara Pizza, Brooklyn)

Across the street from Isaac’s, Domenico DeMarco has spent half a century making every last one of his pies; Di Fara Pizza is closed when he’s not there. The most decadent thing about his classic margherita pizza (made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, olive oil, and fresh basil) could be the time it takes to acquire it; pizza-lovers have been known to wait more than two hours for a slice. 9601280

Across the street from Isaac’s, Domenico DeMarco has spent half a century making every last one of his pies; Di Fara Pizza is closed when he’s not there. The most decadent thing about his classic margherita pizza (made with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, olive oil, and fresh basil) could be the time it takes to acquire it; pizza-lovers have been known to wait more than two hours for a slice.

Giant Family Seafood Platter (Blue Fish, Sydney, Australia)

Giant Family Seafood Platter (Blue Fish, Sydney, Australia)

If you find yourself unable to settle on a single offering at Darling Harbour’s Blue Fish, you can take a deep breath, tie on an extra-large bib and choose them all. This two-tiered, fresh-caught feast includes oysters, steamed mussels, Queensland tiger prawns, “Moreton Bay Bugs” (known to non-locals as slipper lobster), barbecued king prawns, crumbed prawns, octopus, calamari and squid—topped with a Western Australian Rock Lobster Mornay, Atlantic salmon, and barramundi. If you’re worried that you’ve depopulated the sea, rest easy: restaurateur Glenn Boyland is committed to preserving local marine life and purchases sustainable stock from Sydney fish markets. 9601280

If you find yourself unable to settle on a single offering at Darling Harbour’s Blue Fish, you can take a deep breath, tie on an extra-large bib and choose them all. This two-tiered, fresh-caught feast includes oysters, steamed mussels, Queensland tiger prawns, “Moreton Bay Bugs” (known to non-locals as slipper lobster), barbecued king prawns, crumbed prawns, octopus, calamari and squid—topped with a Western Australian Rock Lobster Mornay, Atlantic salmon, and barramundi. If you’re worried that you’ve depopulated the sea, rest easy: restaurateur Glenn Boyland is committed to preserving local marine life and purchases sustainable stock from Sydney fish markets.

Pavlova (City Extra, Sydney, Australia)

Pavlova (City Extra, Sydney, Australia)

"Although one may fail to find happiness in theatrical life,” the Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova once said, "one never wishes to give it up after having once tasted its fruits." Pavlova toured Australia and New Zealand in 1926, and the airy concoction bearing her name has pirouetted across dessert menus Down Under ever since. City Extra’s Pavlova has a hard meringue shell that gives way to a chewy interior; it’s costumed with strawberries, passionfruit, banana and cream. 9601280

"Although one may fail to find happiness in theatrical life,” the Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova once said, "one never wishes to give it up after having once tasted its fruits." Pavlova toured Australia and New Zealand in 1926, and the airy concoction bearing her name has pirouetted across dessert menus Down Under ever since. City Extra’s Pavlova has a hard meringue shell that gives way to a chewy interior; it’s costumed with strawberries, passionfruit, banana and cream.

Khai Jiao (Raan Jay Fai, Bangkok, Thailand)

Khai Jiao (Raan Jay Fai, Bangkok, Thailand)

Foodies queue along Maha Chai Road in Bangkok’s Old City for a taste of Jay “Auntie with a Mole” Fai's celebrated crab omelet (khai jiao). After whipping generous lumps of crab meat with egg and fish sauce, Jay Fai forms a cylinder with spatulas and a few flips; with a quick fry over a coal fire, she gives the omelet’s surface a regal golden exterior (known as “wok hei,” the je ne sais quoi flavor achieved by cooking with a wok over high heat). No wonder she’s been called the "Mozart of the Wok." 9601280

Foodies queue along Maha Chai Road in Bangkok’s Old City for a taste of Jay “Auntie with a Mole” Fai's celebrated crab omelet (khai jiao). After whipping generous lumps of crab meat with egg and fish sauce, Jay Fai forms a cylinder with spatulas and a few flips; with a quick fry over a coal fire, she gives the omelet’s surface a regal golden exterior (known as “wok hei,” the je ne sais quoi flavor achieved by cooking with a wok over high heat). No wonder she’s been called the "Mozart of the Wok."

Pad Thai (Pad Thai Thip Samai, Bangkok, Thailand)

Pad Thai (Pad Thai Thip Samai, Bangkok, Thailand)

Like Raan Jay Fai, Thip Samai sprouts a tail of several dozen hungry patrons-to-be as soon as it raises it gate each afternoon. Lovers of Thip Samai’s pad thai—sun-dried rice noodles, shrimp and egg stir-fried to smoky-sweet perfection with tamarind, palm sugar and fish sauce, then garnished with cilantro, chilies, bean sprouts and lime wedges—report that it dishes up the best version in Thailand.9601280

Like Raan Jay Fai, Thip Samai sprouts a tail of several dozen hungry patrons-to-be as soon as it raises it gate each afternoon. Lovers of Thip Samai’s pad thai—sun-dried rice noodles, shrimp and egg stir-fried to smoky-sweet perfection with tamarind, palm sugar and fish sauce, then garnished with cilantro, chilies, bean sprouts and lime wedges—report that it dishes up the best version in Thailand.

Soft-Shell Crab (Captain James Landing, Baltimore)

Soft-Shell Crab (Captain James Landing, Baltimore)

This Charm City delicacy looks a bit like a crab wearing a sandwich because, well, that’s exactly what it is. In Maryland eateries, soft-shell crab (caught just after they’ve molted, when they have yet to harden up) appears much as it does when it’s hauled out of the Chesapeake. At Captain James Landing, it’s battered and deep fried, then served shell, claws and all. 9601280

This Charm City delicacy looks a bit like a crab wearing a sandwich because, well, that’s exactly what it is. In Maryland eateries, soft-shell crab (caught just after they’ve molted, when they have yet to harden up) appears much as it does when it’s hauled out of the Chesapeake. At Captain James Landing, it’s battered and deep fried, then served shell, claws and all.

Suppli al Telefono (Supplizio, Rome, Italy)

Suppli al Telefono (Supplizio, Rome, Italy)

Suppli al telefono, or "telephone wires," refers to the luxurious strands of mozzarella that ooze out of the deep-fried risotto croquettes at Supplizio, a small-plates bistro near Piazza Navona in the historic center of Rome. Suppli are often served as the prelude to a pizza, but they could easily constitute a (rather magnificent) all-aperitivo meal.9601280

Suppli al telefono, or "telephone wires," refers to the luxurious strands of mozzarella that ooze out of the deep-fried risotto croquettes at Supplizio, a small-plates bistro near Piazza Navona in the historic center of Rome. Suppli are often served as the prelude to a pizza, but they could easily constitute a (rather magnificent) all-aperitivo meal.

Quesillo (Quesillos El Pipe, Managua, Nicaragua)

Quesillo (Quesillos El Pipe, Managua, Nicaragua)

For Nicaraguans, quesillo is both an ingredient (a fresh, yogurt-like cheese that’s boiled and salted) and a street food; at Quesillos El Pipe, a roadside eatery near the capital city of Managua, the quesillo (which is made on-site) is wrapped in a tortilla, doused with pickled onions and crema, then wrapped and served in a plastic bag. The most delicious convenience food on Earth, or the most convenient delicious food on Earth? Call it a draw.9601280

For Nicaraguans, quesillo is both an ingredient (a fresh, yogurt-like cheese that’s boiled and salted) and a street food; at Quesillos El Pipe, a roadside eatery near the capital city of Managua, the quesillo (which is made on-site) is wrapped in a tortilla, doused with pickled onions and crema, then wrapped and served in a plastic bag. The most delicious convenience food on Earth, or the most convenient delicious food on Earth? Call it a draw.

Candied-cherry raspado (Raspados Loly's, Managua, Nicaragua)

Candied-cherry raspado (Raspados Loly's, Managua, Nicaragua)

Eloisa Saenz perfected her recipe for dulce de leche served over shaved ice with cubes of panetela (dense cake) more than half a century ago. That achingly sweet dessert, raspado, is a national favorite; Eloisa’s family now serves it at Loly’s locations in Nicaragua and in Miami. “The raspado relleno is to die for,” one American visitor said. “And that could be literal. After consuming it you may die of a sugar overdose.” 9601280

Eloisa Saenz perfected her recipe for dulce de leche served over shaved ice with cubes of panetela (dense cake) more than half a century ago. That achingly sweet dessert, raspado, is a national favorite; Eloisa’s family now serves it at Loly’s locations in Nicaragua and in Miami. “The raspado relleno is to die for,” one American visitor said. “And that could be literal. After consuming it you may die of a sugar overdose.”

Hot Pepper Chocolate Pie (Arnold's Country Kitchen, Nashville)

Hot Pepper Chocolate Pie (Arnold's Country Kitchen, Nashville)

If you yearn for dessert with a kick to echo the sauce on your barbecue, Arnold’s Country Kitchen has the devilish dish of your dreams; the sweet chocolate-pudding filling in their hot-pepper chocolate pie carries a dash of cayenne pepper. The Arnold clan’s take on a traditional chess pie might sound unorthodox, but they know what they’re doing: They earned a James Beard Foundation Classics Award in 2009.9601280

If you yearn for dessert with a kick to echo the sauce on your barbecue, Arnold’s Country Kitchen has the devilish dish of your dreams; the sweet chocolate-pudding filling in their hot-pepper chocolate pie carries a dash of cayenne pepper. The Arnold clan’s take on a traditional chess pie might sound unorthodox, but they know what they’re doing: They earned a James Beard Foundation Classics Award in 2009.

Ezell’s Southern Food Express is the proud descendent of Ezell’s Fish Camp, a legendary Depression-era stop for catfish, slaw and hush puppies that started with “a single hook and a fishing line.” Alabama-raised catfish comes to the table at Ezell’s on the bone, breaded and deep-fried, with savory-sweet cornmeal hush puppies—and 80 years and two generations after CA Ezell decided to make a living on the Tombigbee River, it’s still one of the most popular dishes around. 9601280

Ezell’s Southern Food Express is the proud descendent of Ezell’s Fish Camp, a legendary Depression-era stop for catfish, slaw and hush puppies that started with “a single hook and a fishing line.” Alabama-raised catfish comes to the table at Ezell’s on the bone, breaded and deep-fried, with savory-sweet cornmeal hush puppies—and 80 years and two generations after CA Ezell decided to make a living on the Tombigbee River, it’s still one of the most popular dishes around.

Pelmeni (Café Glechik, Brooklyn)

Pelmeni (Café Glechik, Brooklyn)

Vadim Tesler named his NYC Ukranian outpost Café Glechik after the traditional clay pots used to serve pelmeni, his succulent meat-stuffed dumplings. This is Brighton Beach comfort food with a pedigree: Vadim’s grandmother and great-grandmother were famous a century ago for catering “the best and the biggest weddings” in Odessa. 9601280

Vadim Tesler named his NYC Ukranian outpost Café Glechik after the traditional clay pots used to serve pelmeni, his succulent meat-stuffed dumplings. This is Brighton Beach comfort food with a pedigree: Vadim’s grandmother and great-grandmother were famous a century ago for catering “the best and the biggest weddings” in Odessa.

Cheesecake (Junior's Cheesecake, Brooklyn)

Cheesecake (Junior's Cheesecake, Brooklyn)

Junior’s opened its doors at the corner of Flatbush and Dekalb in Brooklyn on Election Day, 1950; it’s been serving the city’s most celebrated cheesecake (hand-mixed with velvety sweetened Philadelphia cream cheese on a sponge cake base, since “it’s a cake, not a pie”) ever since. How many calories are there in a piece of Junior’s c-cake? In the words of J.P. Morgan, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. 9601280

Junior’s opened its doors at the corner of Flatbush and Dekalb in Brooklyn on Election Day, 1950; it’s been serving the city’s most celebrated cheesecake (hand-mixed with velvety sweetened Philadelphia cream cheese on a sponge cake base, since “it’s a cake, not a pie”) ever since. How many calories are there in a piece of Junior’s c-cake? In the words of J.P. Morgan, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

Biscuits and Gravy (Biscuit Love, Nashville)

Biscuits and Gravy (Biscuit Love, Nashville)

Brunchers in Nashville flock to Biscuit Love for light, fluffy biscuits with all the trimmings. Traditionalists can cover their plates with ham, homemade pork gravy and eggs; early risers with a sweet tooth, in turn, can opt for chocolate gravy à la carte. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could attempt both—though you should probably change into sweatpants first.

9601280

Brunchers in Nashville flock to Biscuit Love for light, fluffy biscuits with all the trimmings. Traditionalists can cover their plates with ham, homemade pork gravy and eggs; early risers with a sweet tooth, in turn, can opt for chocolate gravy à la carte. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could attempt both—though you should probably change into sweatpants first.

Raclette cheese

Raclette cheese is heated until the top has melted, which is then scraped off over potatoes to create a gooey but delicious dish. 9601280

Raclette cheese is heated until the top has melted, which is then scraped off over potatoes to create a gooey but delicious dish.

vintagerobot / E+ / Getty Images

St. Louis

St. Louis

This Gateway to the West has come to represent St. Louis since it was completed in 1965. The monument was not initially greeted with a lot of public support, but the promise of new jobs to help construct the arch quickly changed opinions. The arch sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis and is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere.9601280

This Gateway to the West has come to represent St. Louis since it was completed in 1965. The monument was not initially greeted with a lot of public support, but the promise of new jobs to help construct the arch quickly changed opinions. The arch sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis and is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere.

DelensMode / Moment Open / Getty Images

St. Louis-Style Pizza

St. Louis-Style Pizza

You may have heard of New York- or Chicago-style pizza, but there is another city that lays claim to its own spin on the tomato pie. In St. Louis, pizza is built on cracker-thin crusts made without yeast and includes Provel cheese, which is a combination of provolone, Swiss and white cheddar cheeses.9601280

You may have heard of New York- or Chicago-style pizza, but there is another city that lays claim to its own spin on the tomato pie. In St. Louis, pizza is built on cracker-thin crusts made without yeast and includes Provel cheese, which is a combination of provolone, Swiss and white cheddar cheeses.

Pork Steak

Pork Steak

St. Louis natives love barbecue, so it’s no surprise that they take the same cut of meat typically used for pulled pork (pork shoulder) and cook it like a beef steak. This slow-cooked dish is a staple in any St. Louis BBQ restaurant.9601280

St. Louis natives love barbecue, so it’s no surprise that they take the same cut of meat typically used for pulled pork (pork shoulder) and cook it like a beef steak. This slow-cooked dish is a staple in any St. Louis BBQ restaurant.

Munich

Munich

The Alps’ peaks provide the perfect backdrop for the Munich city skyline.9601280

The Alps’ peaks provide the perfect backdrop for the Munich city skyline.

bkindler / E+ / Getty Images

Schnitzel

Schnitzel

Usually made from pork, schnitzel is tenderized, battered and fried before being served with a variety of sides, such as potatoes, peppers or a cream sauce. The dish is so popular in Germany that it has found its way into kitchens in other countries via German immigrants and is now enjoyed around the world. 9601280

Usually made from pork, schnitzel is tenderized, battered and fried before being served with a variety of sides, such as potatoes, peppers or a cream sauce. The dish is so popular in Germany that it has found its way into kitchens in other countries via German immigrants and is now enjoyed around the world.

Foodcollection / Getty Images

Pretzels

Pretzels

The pretzel is one of the most iconic foods in the world. Be it from a street vendor, ballpark or bakery, this knotted dough can be found almost everywhere. But despite its global accessibility, the pretzel got its start in seclusion, most likely originating in German monasteries during the Middle Ages.9601280

The pretzel is one of the most iconic foods in the world. Be it from a street vendor, ballpark or bakery, this knotted dough can be found almost everywhere. But despite its global accessibility, the pretzel got its start in seclusion, most likely originating in German monasteries during the Middle Ages.

Natalie_B / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Ramen

Ramen

You can find a heaping bowl of ramen almost anywhere. But you won’t get the real deal unless you are in Tokyo, where the dish has been mastered over centuries.9601280

You can find a heaping bowl of ramen almost anywhere. But you won’t get the real deal unless you are in Tokyo, where the dish has been mastered over centuries.

Ant Photography / Moment / Getty Images

Tokyo

Tokyo

Known for its electric energy, Tokyo features some exquisitely unique cuisine, from crispy, elegant shrimp tempura to sushi made with jewel-like precision.9601280

Known for its electric energy, Tokyo features some exquisitely unique cuisine, from crispy, elegant shrimp tempura to sushi made with jewel-like precision.

sack / E+ / Getty Images

Yakitori

Yakitori

At Bird Land restaurant in Tokyo, chef Toshihiro Wada serves up beautiful displays of various yakitori dishes, including skewered chicken parts of all types.9601280

At Bird Land restaurant in Tokyo, chef Toshihiro Wada serves up beautiful displays of various yakitori dishes, including skewered chicken parts of all types.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy

The iconic and historic skyline of Florence, Italy9601280

The iconic and historic skyline of Florence, Italy

SerrNovik / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Pasta

Pasta

Perhaps nowhere else in the world can you get fresh pasta as you can in Florence.9601280

Perhaps nowhere else in the world can you get fresh pasta as you can in Florence.

Gelato

Gelato

Gelato served up fresh and delicious from Vivoli in Florence. 9601280

Gelato served up fresh and delicious from Vivoli in Florence.

Boston

Boston

The Boston Harbor shining brightly at dusk.9601280

The Boston Harbor shining brightly at dusk.

SeanPavonePhoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus, SeanPavonePhoto

Boston Cream Pie

Boston Cream Pie

The Boston cream pie is one dessert that you can find almost anywhere. But to get the original, you have to go to Boston.9601280

The Boston cream pie is one dessert that you can find almost anywhere. But to get the original, you have to go to Boston.

Boston Baked Beans

Boston Baked Beans

Boston baked beans may be the most recognizable food for a city affectionately nicknamed, Beantown.9601280

Boston baked beans may be the most recognizable food for a city affectionately nicknamed, Beantown.

The Acropolis

The Acropolis

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, with Lycabettus Hill in the background.9601280

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, with Lycabettus Hill in the background.

Dolmades

Dolmades

These dolmades, or rolled grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, onions and minced meat, are from Taverna Louizidis in Athens, Greece.9601280

These dolmades, or rolled grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, onions and minced meat, are from Taverna Louizidis in Athens, Greece.

Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Dusk falls over Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. While generally known for its outrageous nightlife (especially during Mardi Gras), NOLA is a food lover’s mecca, with Cajun cuisine inspired by unique local flavors.9601280

Dusk falls over Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. While generally known for its outrageous nightlife (especially during Mardi Gras), NOLA is a food lover’s mecca, with Cajun cuisine inspired by unique local flavors.

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

The Muffuletta Sandwich

The Muffuletta Sandwich

The muffuletta from Central Grocery is a sandwich with layers of salami, ham, cheese and olive salad that looks almost as good as it tastes.9601280

The muffuletta from Central Grocery is a sandwich with layers of salami, ham, cheese and olive salad that looks almost as good as it tastes.

Creole Gumbo

Creole Gumbo

The Creole gumbo made by James Beard Award-winning chef Tory McPhail at Commander's Palace in New Orleans is loaded with seafood, sausage, rice and deliciousness.9601280

The Creole gumbo made by James Beard Award-winning chef Tory McPhail at Commander's Palace in New Orleans is loaded with seafood, sausage, rice and deliciousness.

Pig's Head Cuban: The Cannibal, Los Angeles and N.Y.C.

With a name like The Cannibal, it shouldn’t be surprising that this butcher-and-beer-based restaurant has a sandwich called the Pig's Head Cuban. Meat lovers will lose their heads over this take on the Caribbean classic with its griddle-pressed pig head terrine with gruyere and pickles.9601280

With a name like The Cannibal, it shouldn’t be surprising that this butcher-and-beer-based restaurant has a sandwich called the Pig's Head Cuban. Meat lovers will lose their heads over this take on the Caribbean classic with its griddle-pressed pig head terrine with gruyere and pickles.

Broccoli Classic Sandwich: No. 7, Ace Hotel, N.Y.C.

Broccoli Classic Sandwich: No. 7, Ace Hotel, N.Y.C.

An homage to his favorite childhood sandwich, this hero packed with mom-approved roasted broccoli, and more grown-up ingredients including lychee muchim, feta cheese and fried shallots, is just of No. 7 chef Tyler Kord’s meatless creations.9601280

An homage to his favorite childhood sandwich, this hero packed with mom-approved roasted broccoli, and more grown-up ingredients including lychee muchim, feta cheese and fried shallots, is just of No. 7 chef Tyler Kord’s meatless creations.

Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich: Bucket & Bay, Jersey City, N.J.

Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich: Bucket & Bay, Jersey City, N.J.

This artisanal grass-fed milk gelato maker in Jersey City, Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato Co., is already known for mixing things up with their seasonal and spirits infused flavors, such as Strawberry Port and Bourbon Peach. Don’t leave here without trying the Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich, filled with housemade jam, and served on a French croissant babka roll from neighboring Choc-O-Pain bakery.9601280

This artisanal grass-fed milk gelato maker in Jersey City, Bucket & Bay Craft Gelato Co., is already known for mixing things up with their seasonal and spirits infused flavors, such as Strawberry Port and Bourbon Peach. Don’t leave here without trying the Hot Pressed Gelato Sandwich, filled with housemade jam, and served on a French croissant babka roll from neighboring Choc-O-Pain bakery.

Why wait for desert when you can eat it with your dinner? Savannah’s Treylor Park serves two American favorites simultaneously with its grilled apple pie with chicken sandwich, mixing sweet and savory in one big mouthwatering bite.9601280

Why wait for desert when you can eat it with your dinner? Savannah’s Treylor Park serves two American favorites simultaneously with its grilled apple pie with chicken sandwich, mixing sweet and savory in one big mouthwatering bite.

Photographer: Scott Harris

Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich: Loyal Nine, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich: Loyal Nine, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Loyal Nine offers a creative spin on New England cuisine with its Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich. This local favorite features crispy Vermont Ossabaw bacon, frisée and fried whole-belly clams — shucked right at the restaurant — and battered with IPA, corn meal and corn flour. If that isn’t enough for your taste buds, a fried egg on top is optional.9601280

Loyal Nine offers a creative spin on New England cuisine with its Fried Clam and Pig Ear Sandwich. This local favorite features crispy Vermont Ossabaw bacon, frisée and fried whole-belly clams — shucked right at the restaurant — and battered with IPA, corn meal and corn flour. If that isn’t enough for your taste buds, a fried egg on top is optional.

We know, you’ve heard of the fried chicken and waffle sandwiches, but this one is filled with ice cream and pressed in two snickerdoodle cookies, too. Ice cream pioneer Coolhaus has mobile trucks in LA, NYC, and Dallas, dishing out this sweet-meets-savory ice cream sandwich that will satisfy all cravings in one bite.9601280

We know, you’ve heard of the fried chicken and waffle sandwiches, but this one is filled with ice cream and pressed in two snickerdoodle cookies, too. Ice cream pioneer Coolhaus has mobile trucks in LA, NYC, and Dallas, dishing out this sweet-meets-savory ice cream sandwich that will satisfy all cravings in one bite.

Swamp Thing: Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Swamp Thing: Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Swamp Thing … We think we love you. Inspired by Black Dolphin Inn chef’s home state of Florida, The Swamp Thing is BBQ brisket drowning in two local specialties: fried okra and coleslaw. (No crocodiles in this one, we promise.)9601280

Swamp Thing … We think we love you. Inspired by Black Dolphin Inn chef’s home state of Florida, The Swamp Thing is BBQ brisket drowning in two local specialties: fried okra and coleslaw. (No crocodiles in this one, we promise.)

Pulpo Octopus Roll: Boqueria, Washington, D.C. and N.Y.C.

Pulpo Octopus Roll: Boqueria, Washington, D.C. and N.Y.C.

Boqueria takes the lobster roll and replaces it with octopus, and adds some Spanish flare! Made with 3 ounces of cooked octopus, the Pulpo Roll is packed with celery, purple and white cabbage, jalepeno, pickled red onions, spicy pimenton de la vera, citrus aioli, salt and lemon, all on a potato bun.9601280

Boqueria takes the lobster roll and replaces it with octopus, and adds some Spanish flare! Made with 3 ounces of cooked octopus, the Pulpo Roll is packed with celery, purple and white cabbage, jalepeno, pickled red onions, spicy pimenton de la vera, citrus aioli, salt and lemon, all on a potato bun.

Banh Mi: Mercantile and Mash, Charleston, S.C.

Banh Mi: Mercantile and Mash, Charleston, S.C.

Gourmet food emporium Mercantile and Mash plays with the Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich with its Charleston version that includes Hoisin pork belly, chicken liver mousse, carrots, radish, jalapenos and cucumbers.9601280

Gourmet food emporium Mercantile and Mash plays with the Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich with its Charleston version that includes Hoisin pork belly, chicken liver mousse, carrots, radish, jalapenos and cucumbers.

Malted Waffle Sandwich: The Normal Diner, Tempe, Arizona

Malted Waffle Sandwich: The Normal Diner, Tempe, Arizona

For those breakfasts when you just can’t decide what you want, order the Malted Waffle Sandwich at (not-so) Normal Diner in Graduate Tempe hotel. Ham steak, scrambled egg and aged cheddar are sandwiched between two malted waffles. Even better? This all-in-one breakfast sandwich is served all day at this re-imagined American diner.9601280

For those breakfasts when you just can’t decide what you want, order the Malted Waffle Sandwich at (not-so) Normal Diner in Graduate Tempe hotel. Ham steak, scrambled egg and aged cheddar are sandwiched between two malted waffles. Even better? This all-in-one breakfast sandwich is served all day at this re-imagined American diner.

Reindeer Sandwhich: Embers Ski Lodge, Nashville, Tennessee

Reindeer Sandwhich: Embers Ski Lodge, Nashville, Tennessee

Reindeer in a bun? Apres-ski-inspired Embers Ski Lodge is known for its 50/50 Remix sandwich that comes with an even mix of reindeer meat (flown in from Alaska!) and Andouille sausage, along with sautéed red peppers and onions, served in a toasted New England-style hot dog bun.9601280

Reindeer in a bun? Apres-ski-inspired Embers Ski Lodge is known for its 50/50 Remix sandwich that comes with an even mix of reindeer meat (flown in from Alaska!) and Andouille sausage, along with sautéed red peppers and onions, served in a toasted New England-style hot dog bun.

I Heart Mac and Cheese Sandwich: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

What could be more comforting that a dish of Mac and Cheese smothered in bread? I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept by Chef Michael Blum, pays homage to the comfort food with limitless made-to-order combinations and toppings (hello, Black Truffle Salt.) There's even a mac & grilled cheese-baked sandwich filled with starchy/cheesy goodness.9601280

What could be more comforting that a dish of Mac and Cheese smothered in bread? I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual concept by Chef Michael Blum, pays homage to the comfort food with limitless made-to-order combinations and toppings (hello, Black Truffle Salt.) There's even a mac & grilled cheese-baked sandwich filled with starchy/cheesy goodness.

Muffuletta: Central Grocery, New Orleans, Louisiana

Muffuletta: Central Grocery, New Orleans, Louisiana

Home of the original Muffuletta, New Orlean’s Central Grocery created this legendary sammie in 1906, in order to make a traditional Sicilian lunch more portable. Versions of this old-world creation, a round sesame bun stuffed with layers of salami, ham, cheese, marinated olives and pickled vegetables, can now be found all over the country, but you need to taste the original, right? Right.9601280

Home of the original Muffuletta, New Orlean’s Central Grocery created this legendary sammie in 1906, in order to make a traditional Sicilian lunch more portable. Versions of this old-world creation, a round sesame bun stuffed with layers of salami, ham, cheese, marinated olives and pickled vegetables, can now be found all over the country, but you need to taste the original, right? Right.

Brain Sandwich: Schottzie's, St. Louis, Missouri

Brain Sandwich: Schottzie's, St. Louis, Missouri

Once a popular, inexpensive delicacy in St. Louis’ days of being a meatpacking mecca, cow’s brain sandwiches are nowadays not as easy to find. Andrew Zimmern tracked down of the last places still serving brains sandwiches (now made with pork) in St. Louis, Schottzie’s, for a taste of the old-time organ meat treat.9601280

Once a popular, inexpensive delicacy in St. Louis’ days of being a meatpacking mecca, cow’s brain sandwiches are nowadays not as easy to find. Andrew Zimmern tracked down of the last places still serving brains sandwiches (now made with pork) in St. Louis, Schottzie’s, for a taste of the old-time organ meat treat.